Eagan native Nicholas Mrozinski will be coming home after placing third on NBC’s vocal competition show “The Voice.”

Mrozinski, known to audiences of “The Voice” as Nicholas David, impressed viewers with his soulful crooning reminiscent of both Marvin Gaye and Joe Cocker. His song choices consistently reflected a message of love and optimism, from “Lean on Me” to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” In tonight’s finale, he sang a duet with Smokey Robinson.

But the love and harmony wasn’t enough to earn him the most audience votes; the popular winner was contestant Cassadee Pope.

Pope’s victory is unsurprising, from a reality TV angle. One of the driving forces behind The Voice is iTunes sales, and Pope’s inoffensive mall-pop vocal stylings and ever-so-slightly-edgy appearance make her an easily accessible candidate, especially for the download-hungry tween and teen market. Mrozinski, on the other hand, appealed to older generations of music fans with his soulful take on classics by Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye.

It’s unclear at this point what Mrozinski’s future holds; while he won’t be getting the first prize recording contract, his newfound popularity makes it unlikely he’ll continue in such intimate local venues as The Happy Gnome.

Mrozinski has said he’s looking forward to spending some quality time with family. He’s the father of two boys; he and his partner are expecting a third baby in February.

I don’t think you have to win to “win” on The Voice. I think you have to show you are talented by doing well on the show. The Voice is a showcase to get noticed. Anyone will a great voice and a consistant set of performances will have their careers take off if they make the most of their opportunities after ending up in the top 10 on the show.

craig olson

Hey Nicholas, We are big fans, you truly have talent. I was hoping you would do some Bozz Scaggs music, I can see you singing “Loan Me A Dime” Will be following your growing career. Take Care, Craig Olson/Eden Prairie, Mn.

Darwin

This was the first time in my life that I voted on things like this. You are cool man and I pray blessings on you and your family. Your the winner to me but your presence of humility and true brotherly love will be remembered more. I’ll be gettting some CD’s…

Geoffrey Edwards

I agree with Sue and Craig. Nicholas David is the best thing to happen to the music industry in a long time. I shall, as well, wait with great anticipation for his first real CD. To Nicholas and his lovely family, I not only wanted you to win because you’re so talented but I wanted your family to win. They deserve it. For all intent and practical purposes, you did. Several times the coach’s on the Voice said that the last six were all winners. I agree. But Nic, St Nic, you were the best. You were the best.

Even if you didn’t win, we, the listeners did.

And thanks to Sue for the information about his other CD’s. I’ll be checking those out.